Win a milestone for childcare centre

THE Tamworth Milestones Early Learning Centre has taken out a prestigious state gong, winning the Best Program Involving Families category of the NSW Childcare Week Awards.

The local Milestones – with centres at Oxley Vale and Bligh St – trumped 3600 children’s services across the state at the awards, held at the Novotel Brighton Beach in Sydney.

Owner Narissa King said she believed the win stemmed from the centres’ programs that helped build inclusiveness with local families and parents, such as talks on healthy eating and the importance of going to the doctor, presented by Paulette Barnes and local doctor Casey Robinson respectively; science experiments conducted by Melissa Lees; and a presentation from Qantas airplane mechanic Steve Westhorpe.

“We had families come in and do talks on their professions, and parents did science experiments. Basically the whole idea of it was to promote the relationships we have with families, and how we include those in our service all the time,” Ms King said.

“One of our main focuses is that partnership with families. We value our families, they’re so important.

“We’re just very proud of our team. Our girls work so hard each and every day; they’re always working on partnerships with families.

“It’s nice that they can be recognised at a state level for their achievements.”

Milestones Early Learning Centre Oxley Vale director Georgina Petterson said the team was extremely excited to win the award, as it recognised the high-quality care they provided to children every day.

“Since we started Milestones seven years ago we have always made the wellbeing of children and their families our number one priority, so it’s wonderful that our team’s creativity, expertise and hard work in this area have been recognised with this statewide award,” she said.